Definition of Supertonic
In music, the supertonic is the second degree of a diatonic scale, one whole step above the tonic. In the movable do solfège system, the supertonic note is sung as re.
The triad built on the supertonic note is called the supertonic chord. In Roman numeral analysis, the supertonic chord is typically symbolized by the Roman numeral "ii" in a major key, indicating that the chord is a minor chord (in C: D–F–A). In a minor key, it is indicated by "iio," indicating that the chord is a diminished chord (in C: D–F–A♭). Because it is a diminished chord, it usually appears in first inversion (iio6) so that no note dissonates with the bass note.
These chords may also appear as seventh chords: in major, as ii7 (in C: D–F–A–C), while in minor as iiø7 (in C: D–F–A♭–C) or rarely ii7. They are the second-most common form of nondominant seventh chords.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Supertonic?
In music, the supertonic is the second degree of a diatonic scale, one whole step above the tonic. In the movable do solfège system, the supertonic note is sung as re.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Supertonic – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Hyacinth – Public domain